Shanghai Women's Federation Schedules First Visit to Arizona

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - March 19, 2009) - A delegation from the Shanghai Women's Federation, a branch of the All China Women's Federation which addresses the issues of women, children and families in China will be visiting Arizona Wednesday, March 25 through Saturday, March 28, 2009 by special invitation from Governor Brewer's Office for Children, Youth and Families, Division for Women and in coordination with Global Interactions, an Arizona based non-profit group.

The delegation of seven women will participate in a series of hosted events celebrating Arizona's diverse culture and learning about Arizona business, arts, and health, education, government and community services.

The hosted events include a welcome reception at Sky Harbor Airport, a Governor's Office Breakfast and roundtable discussion with top business, government and community leaders and an art exhibition with donated photographs from the Shanghai Women's Federation. The delegation will also visit one of Televerde's workforce development call center operations at the Arizona State Prison -- Perryville, stop at Central Arizona Shelter Services and tour Avnet's state-of-the-art Chandler distribution center.

"In addition to visiting Arizona businesses and community service groups, we will share unique experiences and culture with the honorable women from China, including a series of sponsored events at the Heard Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Mu Shu Asian Grill," said Jerrie Ueberle, event co-chair, founder and president of Global Interactions, Inc.

"These women serve in decision-making positions as entrepreneurs, scientists, educators and government officials and will interact with equal honorary guests, dignitaries and hosts from Arizona that showcase some of our amazing local enterprises with onsite visits to Quarles & Brady, Televerde, and Avnet," said Karen Dickinson, event co-chair, attorney and co-chair of the firm's technology and China law groups at Quarles & Brady.

Shanghai is a city of 14 million, historically and geographically positioned for business development in China's new, more open economy, in which women are playing a key role. Approximately 30% of entrepreneurs in Shanghai are women and nearly half of the management positions in trading and finance companies there are held by women.

Noted 14-year-old Arizona photographer and author Annica Benning will be the photo-historian for all activities and present a gift of photographs to the delegation to highlight their experience in Arizona. The photographs in the art exhibition are a gift from the Shanghai Women's Federation and will be accepted and displayed with the support of Through Each Other's Eyes, and then become a permanent part of Arizona's art community. Most of the committee members and host organizations are volunteers, including the group of local interpreters.

GLOBAL INTERACTIONS, INC. is an Arizona non-profit organization whose purpose is to connect U.S. professionals with their international counterparts to share best practices, research, and technologies that will develop sustainable partnerships to further worldwide communication and understanding. Jerrie Ueberle, Founder and President of Global Interactions, Inc., is also a Board Member and Trustee of Sias International University Foundation Board of Directors. The University is located in Xinzheng, Henan Province, China. www.globalinteractions.org

HOSTS AND SPONSORS -- In addition to Global Interactions and Quarles & Brady, hosts and sponsors include Maria-Elena Ochoa, Director for Governor Brewer's Office for Children, Youth and Families Division for Women, the Arizona Technology Council and Greater Phoenix Economic Council. The Avnet Executive Women's Forum, Arizona District Export Council and Through Each Other's Eyes are also sponsors. Dinner sponsors and hosts are Helen Zhang, Garry Ong and Tony Kao. Daniel Shum of Cornelius, Korte and Shum is also an event sponsor.

Contact Information: MEDIA CONTACT Jamie Glass Artful Thinkers 602.369.5537 Media Passes Available to Events